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motor oil specifications

What Is The New ILSAC Oil Spec?

ILSAC specifications dictate engine oil advancements in additive technology. The most recent oil standard is called "GF-7" which is an update and replacement for "GF-6" regulations set by the EPA for 2026 model-year vehicles. The new ILSAC GF-7 oil standard builds on the previous GF-6 to deliver better fuel economy while protecting modern engines from LSPI, piston deposits, and timing chain wear. Quaker State® oil is dedicated to compliance. Starting March 31st, 2025 bottle labels began to reflect the newest standard. 

Protection Against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) 

For improved fuel economy and to meet emission regulations, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are building hardware powered by smaller, Turbocharged Direct Gasoline Injection (TDGI) engines. In return, these engines require increased protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), cleanliness, and better wear protection. This is where the new GF-7 motor oil specification comes in. Quaker State offers oil products that meet the new requirements. Read on to find more answers to questions about ILSAC GF-7.

Motor Oil Specs On The Back Label

We make it easy to get your hands on the right oil by clearly providing details about our motor oil that shouldn't be overlooked. When shopping an auto parts retailer, notice that the front label of the familiar Quaker State® green bottle shows the viscosity and oil type. The back label provides more in-depth information about the oil specifications, standards, and guides to ensure the right oil is chosen.

  • ILSAC GF-7A or GF&B and API specifications the oil meets.
  • Help choosing the best fitting Quaker State® full synthetic oil.
  • Lubricants Limited Warranty Information.
  • Cash Back Program.
  • Certifications such as the American Petroleum Institute.

For more information or questions regarding API standards, contact the Quaker State®  Transport and Industry Customers Line at 1-800-332-6457..

Quaker State® GF-7A And GF-7B Oil Products

The below GF-7 products are backward compatible with previous motor oil specifications, meaning they are designed to work in older engines that call for a previous specificaiton such as GF-6, GF-5, or GF-4. 

What Is The Difference Between GF-7A And GF-7B? 

GF-7A and GF-7B are similar regarding general performance goals under ILSAC. The differences between the two include the vehicles they're intended for and viscosity range. Look for the icons which can also be found on QuakerState oil container labels.

The GF-7A motor oil specification is designed for mainstream passenger vehicles with efficient, high-performance gasoline-powered engines- many of which require a low viscosity motor oil to meet the needs of vehicle manufacturers.
  • Works for the majority of cars on the road.
  • Fully backward compatible with GF‑6A and earlier ILSAC categories.
  • Applies to most common viscosity grades (e.g., 0W‑20, 5W‑20, 5W‑30, etc.).
  • Does NOT include 0W‑16.
  • Oils meeting GF‑7A can display the API “Starburst” Certification Mark.
The GF-7B motor oil specification is uniquely designed for ultra‑low‑viscosity 0W‑16 oils found in newer hybrid engines or highly efficient Japanese vehicles engineered for maximum fuel efficiency
  • ONLY applies to oils with viscosity grade 0W‑16 
  • Also backward compatible but only for vehicles approved for 0W‑16 oil.
  • Using GF‑7B (0W‑16) in a vehicle not designed for it may not meet manufacturer requirements.
  • Ultra‑low viscosity 0W‑16 only; carries the "Shield."

Takeaways For New Oil Standards

  • ILSAC specifications dictate engine oil advancements in additive technology. 
  • How Quaker State is dedicated to new standards compliance.
  • ILSAC GF-7 improvements over GF-6 offer superior fuel economy, better LSPI prevention, less piston deposit buildup, and enhanced timing chain wear protection.
  • What the motor oil labels show regarding specifications like GF-7.
  • What Quaker State products display the Seal from ILSAC and API.